Darren Clarke expecting Open test to be a rough ride

Defending Open champion
Darren Clarke has described the rough at Royal Lytham and St Anne’s as ‘absolutely brutal’.

Testing times: Darren Clarke (Picture: Reuters)

The Northern Irishman said the long, lush grass was a problem in certain areas and predicted some players would lose balls this week.

His comments followed similar remarks made by three-time winner Tiger Woods , who described the rough as ‘almost unplayable’ after his practice round on Sunday.

Championship organisers the R&A insist, however, the course is in the best possible condition.

Clarke said: ‘There are a few patches out there where it’s just absolutely brutal. The grass is a little bit thicker than what you normally find on a links golf course. It’s really, really tough. If you start spraying the ball around this week, you might as well go home. There’s no chance coming out of this rough at all.’

The R&A blamed unprecedented weather conditions for hampering preparations and claimed professionals are satisfied with the course. For the fourth time at the Open, Woods has been drawn alongside Justin Rose for the first two days. Spain’s Sergio Garcia makes up the group.

The Englishman said: ‘No doubt there was a time when it was not necessarily a great draw but it has settled down a bit and you get used to it.’